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Mechanisms of epileptogenesis

University of Bonn
Empirical & clinical neuroscience
About this course

Topics covered include:

  • animal models to study epileptogenesis
  • *omics analyses of human epileptic specimen
  • Screening analyses for classical auto-antibodies and new candidates inpatients suspicious for limbic encephalitis
  • Analyzing the functional role of patient-derived auto-antibodies in epilepsy in vitro und in vivo
  • Analyzing synchronous network activity in vitro (multi electrode array; MEA)
  • CrispR-Cas systems to interfere with epileptogenesis
  • Generation of animal models to study limbic encephalitis
  • Neuropathology in experimental LE
Learning outcomes

Students will obtain detailed knowledge on studying epileptogenesis and functional consequences of autoimmune-mediated epilepsies by using classical molecular biological approaches as well as in vivo models. The lectures will provide an introduction into different epilepsy models as well as in the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to a hyperexcitable in neuronal networks and neuropathological brain alterations. The lectures will also introduce the methods that are being used to study epileptogenesis and associated inflammatory processes. In the practical course, students will apply several techniques such as classical molecular, cellular and in vivo mouse model approaches. At the systems level, they will be introduced to perform and analyze cell biological approaches. Finally, they will explore mechanisms of
epileptogenesis and the role of inflammation in in vivo models using EEG-recording, immunohistochemistry, mRNA-analyses and multi electrode array approaches (MEA). The seminars will cover the methodological background and primary literature in the field and will help students to effectively read scientific literature.

Prerequisites for participation

45 ECTS

Necessary language skill
English
Semester(s) in which the module takes place
Winter Semester
Course type
Practical + Seminar
Course level
Masters
Course start date
28 Oct 2024
Course end date
20 Dec 2024
Involvement period
8 weeks
Teaching mode
Local
Local attendance
Required
Workload in ECTS
15
Graded
Yes
Person in charge of module
Dr. Julika Pitsch
Local module ID
WPP 46